Mentoring for Social Inclusion
Introductory Course
Over the past two decades, social mentoring programs have spread throughout Europe as a socially innovative, bottom-linked and person-centered form of social intervention. These initiatives support individuals facing social disadvantages, complement existing welfare structures, and create new pathways for social inclusion.
Many programs recruit volunteers from civil society to serve as mentors. However, an increasing number of higher education students and employees of private companies are also getting involved. Mentoring initiatives continue to diversify and become increasingly professional, with sustainable development and quality assurance becoming ever more important. This leads to a growing demand for qualified personnel who possess strong relational skills and are able to collaborate with a variety of partners.
The introductory course contributes to European efforts to enhance academic capacity building for emerging and experienced professionals working in social mentoring initiatives and the broader field of helping professions. It invites students and staff from degree programs at all levels, as well as early‑stage practitioners from mentoring organisations and other interested parties.
Key Facts
| Duration: | In-person week plus 2 preparatory virtual meetings (1,5 hours each) |
| Certification: | Microcredential with Certificate of Attendance |
| ECTS: | 5 ECTS credits |
| Form: | International short course / ERASMUS+ Blended Intensive Programme |
| Group size: | Up to 50 participants |
| Language: | English |
| Course fee: | € 400 for independent applicants (incl. conference attendance) € 200 for students and staff from Suttneruni (incl. conference attendance). No course fee for students and staff from ERASMUS+ partner universities. There will be a charge of approx. € 100 for catering during the conference. |
| Date: | 9th to 14th November 2026 at the Campus St. Pölten near Vienna, Austria |
| Application: | For independent applicants: May to August 23, 2026 (tbc). Students and staff from Erasmus+ partner universities should apply through the contact person at their home institution asap. |
Experience an inspiring approach to inclusion that opens new horizons. This course offers insights that enrich both your personal growth and professional development.
Eberhard Raithelhuber & Marija Mitic, Course Leaders
What makes the course special
This course combines practical and theory‑based learning with exchange within the European mentoring community.
- Over the first three and a half days, participants engage in a combination of thematic inputs, interactive sessions, group work, and guided reflection.
- On the final two days (November 13 and 14), participants attend the International Conference “Social Mentoring in Europe: Prospects for Social Inclusion and Engagement.” Participants are free to choose the conference sessions that best align with their personal interests.
How we work
Our learning formats include inputs, plenary discussions, small‑group work, and interactive workshops.
- Drawing on insights from across Europe, we compare and synthesise knowledge from different programme models, approaches, and target groups.
- Hands‑on training in relational skills, complemented by insights from research and practice.
- Guidance from experienced mentors, researchers, and practitioners.
- Access to curated resources, including literature, social media, and other materials.
- A final reflective essay enables participants to link their experiences to academic literature and to envision practical applications.
